Epping Forest's MP has welcomed the opening of a new vaccination centre in Loughton.

Dame Eleanor Laing said the large-scale centre at The Murray Hall in Borders Lane was "great news" for the district.

The deputy speaker of the house, who has represented the constituency since 1997, said: "It's great news that the new large-scale vaccination centre is about to open at The Murray Hall.

"The vaccination programme is progressing really well here in Epping Forest and as it expands, the operation at the Murray Hall is a most efficient way to deliver vaccinations to as many people as possible."

Local residents aged over 60 are invited to book a Covid-19 vaccination at the centre which opens on Thursday, March 4.

GPs have also started inviting a wider group of adults of all ages who have been identified as having underlying health conditions which put them at greater risk of suffering serious illness if they catch coronavirus.

This includes people who are newly identified as being on the Shielded Patients List and adult carers who are either registered for Carers Allowance or are identified as a carer on their GP records.

The latest batch of invitations will mean everyone in the first seven priority groups will have been offered a jab.

The Murray Hall site is being run by local NHS organisation Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust (HCT) which has set up the centre with the support of Epping Forest District Council, Loughton Town Council, New City College Epping Forest and local voluntary sector colleagues.

Eligible people can book an appointment at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination or by ringing 119.

People should only attend for a vaccination if they have a confirmed appointment at the location.

Anyone attending for a vaccine appointment is asked to arrive at the time of their appointment to avoid the need to wait to be seen, and to help maintain social distancing.

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